Back when the first electric washing machine was invented in the early 1900s, laundry was a less than efficient process, using more power, water, and effort than was ideal. In modern times, high-efficiency washers have improved on those first efforts, with new models using 70% less electricity and far less water than was needed in 1973. Laundry detergents, on the other hand, have experienced more of a mixed evolution.
While, admittedly, 21st-century detergents clean far more effectively than the detergents of years past, they also come with serious downsides, from the use of harsh, potentially toxic chemicals to the problematic plastic jugs in which they’re delivered. Laundry detergent pods are arguably even worse in some respects. Fortunately, the recent invention of detergent sheets shows great promise for modernizing the laundry detergent industry.
Less wasteful, better for the environment, and gentler on our clothes and bodies, laundry detergent sheets may just be the best laundry innovation since the washing machine. The challenge today, however, is picking out the best laundry detergent sheets from all the different brands available.
To help, we’ve selected seven of the top detergent sheet brands on the market and given our rundown of why we think they’re worth it. Though we ultimately chose HeySunday as our overall winner, we think there are several options on this list worth checking out.
Our Top 3
- Overall Winner: HeySunday
- Runner-Up: Tru Earth
- Second Runner-Up: Kind Laundry
The 7 Best Laundry Detergent Sheets
Even though laundry detergent sheets may be a relatively new invention, dozens of variations are available on the market. We've reviewed the seven most desirable options to help you hone in on the best laundry detergent sheets for you.
1. HeySunday
HeySunday was founded on the belief that every aspect of home life should be enjoyable, including laundry. Because of this belief, this innovative cleaning company always puts its customers first, working hard to make products that are easy to use, safe, and good for the environment.
Nowhere are these values better showcased than with their laundry detergent sheets, which are 100% plastic and cruelty-free and contain no toxic ingredients. Despite these eco-friendly qualities, HeySunday’s detergent formula still packs a punch, using 100% plant-based ingredients such as glycerin, protease, and seven different surfactants to ensure your laundry comes out as clean as possible.
Each package of HeySunday laundry sheets includes 60 sheets for the price of $20, which breaks down to $0.33 per wash. Customers can also sign up for automatic deliveries to save 30%, and this subscription can be easily canceled at any time. Even better, HeySunday also offers a full money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the product for any reason, with no returns necessary.
Bottom Line: Rather than focusing on the environment or their customers, HeySunday has found a way to effectively serve both. This easy-to-use and eco-friendly laundry detergent sheet is our top pick because it gets rid of stains well, comes with a full money-back guarantee, and can be used with or without a scent.
2. Tru Earth
Tru Earth sets itself apart from many other laundry detergent sheet brands by giving back to the environment and social causes. Every time a new member subscribes to Tru Earth, the company donates 32 laundry sheets to frontline workers and those in need. The product also comes in zero-waste and plastic-free packaging. That said, the price for this variety is on the higher end of the spectrum. The cost per load for a one-time purchase is $0.62.
As for how well the laundry sheets work, customers have said that they clean well and don't fade or damage clothes. Tru Earth only uses plant-based and cruelty-free ingredients, which is great for those with sensitive skin types.
Bottom Line: Tru Earth sets itself apart from many other laundry detergent sheet brands by giving back to the environment and social causes. That said, at $0.62 per load, the price for this variety is on the higher end of the spectrum.
3. Kind Laundry
As the name suggests, the mission behind Kind Laundry is to encourage kindness toward our planet, our laundry, and our health. The ingredients in these zero-waste laundry detergent sheets come from plants and are biodegradable.
They arrive at your door wrapped in 100% recyclable and plastic-free packaging. Customers can choose to buy either the scented or unscented version, although those with sensitive skin should probably opt for the unscented version.
If you don’t have a subscription, these detergent sheets cost approximately $0.33 per load, which is on the lower end of the spectrum. While free shipping is available, Kind Laundry only offers this feature for its subscribers, so one-time purchasers will need to pay extra. Customers have said that these sheets are very good at getting stains out of colored clothes but not so good at getting stains out of white clothes.
Bottom Line: Kind Laundry sells scented and unscented laundry detergent sheets that are good for the environment and don't cost much. This brand has a few downsides, including paid shipping for everyone but subscribers.
4. Grove Co. Laundry
Grove Co. Laundry’s detergent sheets are designed with strong stain-removing powder. These sheets are particularly adept at removing tea, ketchup, and crayon stains. If you frequently work outdoors, it’s important to remember that these detergent sheets are not as effective at removing grass stains.
These eco-friendly sheets are made from plant-based ingredients without harsh chemicals, dyes, or brighteners; they are also dissolvable, biodegradable, and cruelty-free. The product is shipped in packaging that has no plastic and is 100% recyclable. It also has a small carbon and water footprint.
Grove Co. Laundry offers both scented and unscented options. The scented options are very aromatic; one of their most popular varieties is lavender and thyme-scented sheets. Though some of their prices may vary based on scent, one package of 32 sheets costs about $12.99, but customers will need to spend at least $20 per order to check out and get free shipping.
Bottom Line: Grove Co. Laundry’s detergent sheets are designed with a strong stain-removing powder and are particularly adept at removing tea stains. This eco-friendly product comes in both scented and unscented varieties.
5. Eco-Living Club
Both certified hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, Eco-Living Club’s detergent sheets are particularly tailored toward those with sensitive skin types. Packaged in fully recyclable cardboard, these cleaning products are also free of harsh chemicals, vegan, cruelty-free, 100% biodegradable, and greywater friendly.
Customers can buy options in bulk that have less packaging and less carbon emissions, which is better for the environment. However, carbon-neutral shipping is only offered in Canada.
Every sheet has a perforated line, making these ultra-concentrated strips very easy to use. If you have a small load, you can tear the sheet in half or use the full sheet for a heavy load. These detergent strips work in standard and high-efficiency machines and can also be used when hand washing your clothes.
Bottom Line: Eco-Living Club's detergent sheets are made for people with sensitive skin because they are dermatologist-tested and certified as hypoallergenic. Every sheet has a perforated line, making these strips very easy to use.
6. Beyond Clean
Beyond Clean is known for offering both scented and unscented laundry detergent sheets. The unscented formula is made for people with sensitive skin or who don't want to use cleaning products with scents. This USDA-certified biobased product comes in an easy-to-store envelope and is vegan and cruelty-free.
The detergent sheets from Beyond Clean work pretty well to get rid of stains like gravy, coffee, and eggs, but they work less well on red stains like lipstick and pasta sauce. This product is very affordable at $8.99 for 32 loads, which comes down to $0.28 per load. That said, Beyond Clean doesn’t offer free shipping or a subscription discount, meaning it may be cheaper if you subscribe to another product.
Bottom Line: This USDA-certified biobased product comes in an easy-to-store envelope and is vegan and cruelty-free. While these laundry detergent sheets are some of the most affordable on the market, no free shipping or subscription discount is offered.
7. EcoRoots
EcoRoots offers ultra-concentrated laundry sheets at an affordable price point. One of the biggest perks of EcoRoots is that you get twice as many uses out of laundry sheets compared to what the product offers. Each sheet is enough for two loads, meaning you can tear each sheet in half if you just do one load.
This eco-friendly product is free of harsh chemicals, including optical brighteners. It is also paraben-free, phthalate-free, phosphate-free, and free of synthetic fragrances and palm oil. The product arrives in compostable, plastic-free packaging.
EcoRoots sells both scented and unscented laundry sheets, and the scented ones are made with essential oils and plant extracts that have a pleasant smell. Additionally, this biodegradable product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Bottom Line: EcoRoots offers ultra-concentrated laundry sheets at an affordable price point. EcoRoots sells both scented and unscented laundry sheets. The scented ones are made with essential oils and plant extracts that have a pleasant smell.
Our Methodology
We carefully choose the best laundry detergent sheets on the market by considering several factors. Here are the criteria that helped us determine this selection:
Stain removal test
We tested to find out which laundry detergent sheets worked best at removing stains. We used some of the most common stains, like coffee, grass, red wine, and pasta sauce, to stain small pieces of fabric. Then, we tossed the stained swatches into a standard 8-pound load of laundry set on a normal, heavy-soil cycle. Once a load of clothing was dry, we analyzed the stained swatch and rated it based on the AATCC Stain Release Scale.
Scent test
Consumers want their clothes to look clean, but they also want them to smell clean. Therefore, we performed scent tests on dozens of laundry detergent sheets. After washing and drying a regular load of laundry with every laundry detergent sheet, we analyzed how long the scent lasted, how strong the scent was, and whether the scent remained after washing.
Durability test
For many, the worst thing that can happen when doing a load of laundry is clothing damage. So, we put all of our detergent sheet candidates through durability tests to see if they faded, stretched, or shrank in the wash. We made sure to repeat this process multiple times. By putting different brands through the same number of washes, we were able to figure out which one worked best and lasted the longest.
Softness test
A softness test can help determine how well a laundry detergent sheet reduces static cling, making clothes feel softer and more comfortable to wear. Tests for softness can also show if laundry detergent sheets could cause your skin to become irritated. After washing and drying a load of clothes, we took them out and felt them to see how soft they were. We checked for signs of static cling, stiffness, or roughness in the fabric’s texture.
Environmental impact test
One of the main reasons people opt for laundry detergent sheets over traditional liquid detergent is because of the environmental benefits. So, we wanted to make sure that every brand we chose was doing what it could to be good for the environment. We examined biodegradability, packaging, certifications, energy efficiency, and manufacturing practices. We also wanted to prioritize selecting brands that were vegan and cruelty-free.
Key Considerations When Purchasing Laundry Sheets
If there is a specific brand of laundry detergent sheets you’ve been considering, here are some factors you should consider before making your final decision:
Ingredients
How well a laundry detergent sheet cleans your clothes and gets rid of stains depends on what ingredients are in it. Surfactants are the primary cleaning agents in laundry sheets. Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and coco-glucoside are some of the most common types of surfactants. Also, look for enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase. Enzymes help remove stains, particularly food, grass, and blood stains.
Scent
When it comes to the scent of cleaning products, everyone will have their own subjective opinion. Some people may prefer unscented cleaning products to scented cleaning products. While it may take some experimentation before you land on an aromatic laundry sheet, you can also read reviews to see what previous customers have to say about a product. Think about whether you like floral or fresh scents, and try to stay away from strong or overpowering scents.
Fabric Type
You may wear certain fabrics more than others, depending on your location and preferences. For instance, if you live in a tropical climate, you probably wear more linen and cotton than wool and cashmere. Think about the clothes you wear the most and ensure that the detergent sheet is right for those clothes. Some laundry detergent sheets may be too harsh for delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, wool, and lace.
Effectiveness
At the end of the day, you need a laundry detergent sheet that can effectively clean your clothing and remove stains from your clothing. The detergent sheet should also be able to brighten and whiten clothing and remove odors. While you might need to experiment with several brands before you find the most effective one, you can also look at customer ratings and reviews to help inform this decision.
Environmental Impact
To confirm that a laundry detergent sheet product is environmentally friendly, look for certifications like the USDA-certified Biobased Product or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Safe Choice) label. Ensure the sheet is biodegradable and doesn't contain any chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Look for products that are plant-based, have a low carbon footprint, have recyclable packaging, and are cruelty-free.
Cost
Some laundry detergent sheet products will be more expensive than others, so make sure to select one that you can afford long-term. Check to see whether a company offers free shipping at a discount to subscribers, as this will factor into the total cost.
How do laundry detergent sheets work?
First things first: what are laundry detergent sheets? This innovative cleaning product is a new form of laundry detergent that has become increasingly popular in the last few years. You can use these small, thin, and already-measured sheets instead of liquid or powder detergent. Designed to be extremely convenient and mess-free, these sheets are made from a water-soluble film that dissolves in the wash and releases the detergent into the water.
Not only do laundry detergent sheets simplify your laundry routine, but they are also environmentally friendly. Compared to traditional detergents, these products are better for the environment because they use less plastic packaging and less water to make.
Benefits of Using Laundry Sheets
There are not just one or two but many benefits to choosing laundry detergent over traditional liquid detergent.
Water conservation
In several ways, laundry detergent sheets help with water conservation. They dissolve quickly in water and need less water to rinse than traditional liquid detergents. These cleaning products also come in pre-measured doses, which can help prevent the overuse of detergent and reduce the amount of water needed for rinsing.
Reduced waste
One of the biggest downsides of traditional liquid detergent is the packaging. The large plastic tubs that hold the liquid usually get tossed in landfills. On the other hand, laundry detergent sheets typically come in minimal, recyclable packaging. Some brands will even package sheets in thin paper envelopes.
Suitable for sensitive skin
Many laundry detergent sheets are made to be gentle on skin that is sensitive or has allergies. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Look for laundry detergent sheets that are hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and made with plant-based ingredients. Traditional laundry detergents contain synthetic chemicals that are more likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions than plant-based ingredients.
Convenience
If you opt for laundry sheets over traditional detergent, you can skip a few steps in the laundry process, as no measuring is required. You simply grab a sheet and toss it in the washer rather than needing to measure out the appropriate amount of detergent based on your load of laundry.
Easy to use
Laundry detergent sheets are great for individuals new to laundry, like college freshmen. This is the perfect cleaning product for teens or anyone who has never done laundry before. They won’t need to lug a heavy carton of detergent to the laundry room with them or wash the measuring cup used to pour the detergent. Consumers will also not have to worry about measuring out detergent, as laundry detergent sheets are pre-measured.
Space-saving
All storage space is valuable, whether you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment or a big house. Storing cleaning supplies is hard enough without dealing with a big jug of liquid detergent. Unlike traditional liquid detergent, laundry detergent sheets are usually packaged in tiny boxes or envelopes, making them easy to tuck away in a drawer or shelf.
Travel-friendly
Most of the time, laundry detergent doesn’t make the traveling team when traveling for work or leisure. Unlike traditional liquid detergent, laundry sheets are really easy to slip into your suitcase and carry around. This makes it easy to pack your laundry sheets and skip buying a carton of liquid detergent for a brief trip.
Consistent results
Laundry detergent sheets’ pre-measured doses prevent the overuse and underuse of detergent and deliver consistent results. Also, laundry detergent sheets are made to dissolve quickly in water, so the detergent gets spread out evenly in a load of laundry.
Multi-purpose
Not only can laundry sheets be used instead of traditional detergent, but some products also serve additional purposes. Many laundry detergent sheets can be used as a spot treatment for stains, while others also contain fabric softeners that you can use to both clean and soften your clothes.
Reduced static cling
Static cling can be lessened if your laundry detergent sheets have softening agents like fabric softeners or natural oils. These agents work by coating the fibers of your clothing with a thin layer that reduces friction, which can cause static cling.
Final Thoughts
Laundry detergent sheets have been a game-changing innovation in the world of cleaning products. The best versions come pre-measured, dissolve quickly, don't make a mess, and have a concentrated formula that cleans well every time. On top of this, the vast majority of brands still manage to be environmentally friendly.
When you combine all of these factors, it’s easy to see why making the switch from traditional detergent is a great choice for anyone who regularly does laundry. Based on our research of all the different brands on the market, however, the best bang for your buck comes from HeySunday’s detergent sheets. With all of the qualities you should expect from a detergent sheet—and some that might surprise you—they are simply the overall best product we reviewed. Even better, first-time users can rest easy with the company’s money-back guarantee, so there’s basically zero risk to trying them out.
